Busch Gardens Tampa BayAbout Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a combined theme park and zoo in Tampa, Florida, originally opened by Anheuser-Busch in 1959 and now operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The park occupies roughly 335 acres and pairs high-capacity thrill rides with animal habitats.
The park mixes roller coasters and flat rides with live animal exhibits and themed lands. Major thrill attractions include multi-launch coasters and dive coasters that are primary draws for adult visitors, while family areas and a dedicated children’s section provide age-appropriate rides and shows. Several animal areas feature African species such as giraffes, zebras and large cats, and the park offers guided safari-style experiences and up-close feeding opportunities.
Busch Gardens opened in 1959 as a hospitality and attraction site developed by Anheuser-Busch; over subsequent decades it expanded ride offerings and animal habitats. Ownership transferred from Anheuser-Busch to the current operator in 2009, and the park has continued to add major roller coasters and conservation-focused exhibits.
The park sits in northern Tampa, about 6 miles (roughly 10 kilometers) northwest of downtown Tampa, with direct access from major city routes and close to the Tampa metropolitan area.
- Timing: Best visited on weekdays or outside US school holidays to reduce queue times for major roller coasters and animal experiences.
- Animal programs: Animal encounters and keeper talks are scheduled events; check the park schedule on arrival for feeding times and guided experiences.
What to See#
- Sesame Street Safari of Fun: A themed area focused on family rides and character meet-and-greets, tailored for young children and including interactive play zones and small roller coasters.
- Serengeti Plain: A large mixed habitat and attraction zone that combines African-themed animal exhibits with close-up viewing of giraffes, zebras and other hoofstock, and offers guided safari experiences within the park.
- Edge of Africa: A concentrated animal habitat showcasing African megafauna with walk-through viewing and keeper talks, designed for immersive animal encounters.
- Cheetah Hunt: One of the park’s signature roller coasters, a launched coaster designed for high speeds and airtime; frequently listed among the park’s major thrill attractions.
- SheiKra: A steel dive coaster known for its near-vertical drops and a high observation platform used as a viewing point over the park.
Best Time to Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Aim for late fall through early spring for cooler, drier conditions and generally shorter lines; expect heat, humidity and afternoon storms in summer.
Weather & Climate near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1275 mm/year), wettest in August.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 22° | 16° | 71 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 11° - 23° | 17° | 82 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 14° - 26° | 20° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 16° - 28° | 22° | 48 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 19° - 31° | 25° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 22° - 33° | 27° | 169 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 182 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 199 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 32° | 27° | 163 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 19° - 29° | 24° | 63 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 15° - 26° | 20° | 55 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 11° - 23° | 17° | 63 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located in northern Tampa; by car it is approximately 12-15 miles north of downtown Tampa (about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic) and is accessed via the regional highway network-follow signs to Busch Gardens from I‑275 and other surface roads. The park has on‑site parking for visitors.
Public transit service (HART buses) provides connections to the Tampa area and some routes serve stops near the park-check HART schedules for current routes and stop information.
Tips for Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Ride the park's most popular coasters first thing at opening before afternoon crowds and thunderstorms build; mornings are also the best time for animal exhibits and keeper talks.
- If you expect a busy day, buy Quick Queue or single-ride skip-the-line options in advance-they substantially reduce waits on major attractions during peak periods.